Baseball on the Cheap

In response to the tough economy, Major League Baseball has launched the “Commissioner’s Fan Initiative,” to inform fans of the number of affordable ticket and and food options at ballparks throughout the country. A key part of the initiative will be a special “Fan Value Corner” on MLB.com pointing fans to discounts, package deals and other low-cost options for fans looking to attend a game.

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“Throughout its long and distinguished history, baseball has always served as a diversion for its fans in difficult times,” Selig said. “As the country faces new challenges, Major League Baseball is stepping up its efforts to make the game more affordable and to demonstrate to its fans how important they are to us.”

According to MLB, all teams will offer special discounts for families and children, and some—including the Orioles—will let kids in for free with a parent. All but 4 teams will have tickets for under $10, with 17 teams offering tickets for $5.50 or less.

MLB provided a list of all the discount packages throughout baseball. I looked over the list and here are a handful of what I see as the best bargains. My criteria was based on finding the absolute lowest prices for single games tickets. I’ve mentioned a couple of the best package deals, but generally I’m thinking like a fan who wants to get into the ballpark for as little money as possible. If a team isn’t on here, it’s because I did not see any tickets being sold for lower than $10. But everyone has discounts, so check each team’s web site for more info.

-Pittsburgh Pirates: On April 15, fans can buy $1 seats, $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas and $1 popcorn. This may be the best bargain I’ve ever seen. Too bad it’s just for one day.

-San Diego Padres: Ticket, hot dog and coke for $12

-Seattle Mariners: $8 centerfield bleacher seats

-Tampa Bay Rays: $10 tickets

-Texas Rangers: Fans can bring a Dr. Pepper can and get a half-price upper reserved ticket, thus bringing the price to as low as $7.50 for adults and $3 for kids.

-Toronto Blue Jays: $9 tickets

-Washington Nationals: $5 tickets on day of game. You can also buy $10 tickets in advance. Free admission if you say “Tim Lemke is the best sportbiz blogger ever” at the front gate.

Ok, maybe that last Nationals promotion isn’t real. But all of these are:

Harris Teeter Tuesdays – With your Harris Teeter Vic card receive $5 off tickets priced $24 or more, 4 ticket maximum. Must present Vic card at Box Office for discount. Washington Post Wednesdays – Fans who present the Washington Post masthead from Tuesday’s paper will receive $5 off tickets priced at $24 or more with a 2-ticket maximum. Family Fun Pack – Every Sunday fans may purchase either a $14 ticket (Upper Right Field Terrace) or $25 ticket (Lower Left Field or Right Field Reserve) that includes: ticket, hot dog, non-alcoholic drink and chips. Military, Senior & College Discount – For all non-premium, non-holiday games played Monday through Thursday, senior citizen, government employees, active members of the military and college students will receive a $3 discount off any ticket priced at $10 or more. Tickets must be purchased on the day of game at the box office with the appropriate I.D. Limit of 1 ticket per person. College Super Saver – For the months of April & September, college students may receive tickets at 50% off at all non-premium, non-holiday Monday through Thursday games. Only valid on tickets priced at $10 or more and limited to 1 ticket per person 9/11 Remembrance Day – All active military, police officers and firefighters will receive either 50% off their ticket for the September 10 game vs. Philadelphia, or a buy-one get-one free offer. Tickets must be purchased at the Box Office on the day of the game with the appropriate I.D. Limit of 1 ticket per person Miller Lite Bottle Promotion – $5 off tickets priced at $24 or more with coupon received through Miller Lite packaging. Southwester Ad – Receive $5 off tickets priced at $24 or more at every Tuesday home game by presented the Nationals ad from the Southwester Newspaper. The Southwester is a free newspaper available in the neighborhood bordering Nationals Park.. 4 ticket maximum. E-Savers – Join the Nationals Insider e-mail list through nationals.com and receive discounts for specific games and schedules. 50% planned for approximately 22 games. $1 Kids Day – Purchase up to 4 tickets for children ages 3-12 for $1 each, with the purchase of one full- priced adult ticket. June 11 vs. Cincinnati, August 24 vs. Colorado, September 6 vs. Florida. Value Games – Fans may purchase tickets at the same rate as partial-season ticket holders for 5 games during the season. April 15 vs. Philadelphia, April 20 vs. Atlanta, May 4 vs. Houston, May 18 vs. Pittsburgh, and August 5 vs. Florida. Jr. Nats Club – Members of the Jr. Nats Club will receive a coupon book with 8 vouchers for a buy-one-get- one-free offer for non-premium games Rookies Concession Stand – The Rookies Concession Stand, located in the Nationals Park Strike Zone, serves children’s portions of ballpark fare at affordable prices. Most of the items for sale are prices at $3 or less.